Battle Is Key to Winning Saturday's War

Jeffery Stewart

11/29/2002

Tennessee comes to the end of its longest season in recent memory on
Saturday looking to give the home crowd and 20 seniors something lasting to
remember.

One of those seniors who will hold the key to victory for the Vols is Julian Battle, a versatile 6-3, 205-pound, defensive back who has been a standout all season for Tennessee. During a year when the secondary, like every other defensive unit, has suffered through its share of injuries, Battle has been the glue that has held things together for UT's pass defense.

What's remarkable about Battle's ability to provide sound play at any of the
secondary positions is the fact that he came to Tennessee from Los Angeles
Valley Community College with only three games experience as a defensive
back. As a freshman, he was an all-conference wide receiver and continued in
that role as a sophomore until late in the year when he was switched to
cornerback to fill a gap.

During this brief stint at corner, he impressed college scouts with his
size, speed, strength and ability to transition in man coverage. During his
two seasons at Tennessee, he has been effective wherever he has played and
he has been perhaps the most durable member of the defense. In two seasons
Battle has recorded 123 total tackles in 23 games, including nine this
season against Florida.

Battle is the only member of the starting secondary this season not to miss
time due to injury and if Jabari Greer can' start on Saturday against
Kentucky, he will be the only starter left from the four that began the 2002
campaign.

Slated for duty at cornerback against Kentucky, Battle will be called upon
to shut down Derek Abney and provide run support against SEC rush leader
Artose Pinner. He could also stunt from either the corner or strong safety
to get pressure on Jared Lorenzen.

Most of all, Battle can help imbue the defense with the energy and
confidence it needs to take on Kentucky's versatile attack. He has only been
at Tennessee for two seasons but is likely the best junior college player
the Vols have had since Dale Carter left in 1991.

It may be another decade or more before UT fans see Battle's equal in the
secondary, and they should savor this last chance to watch a standout player
who appears headed to NFL stardom.